How to Make Contact with People in Organisations You Want to Target as a Job Seeker – Networking Basics

A client of mine recently asked this excellent question:

I often come across opportunities at organisations where I know someone, but they usually work in very different areas. I sometimes reach out to ask about the organisation, but they often do not know much about the roles themselves because they work in other parts of the business or in very technical roles.

What is the best approach? Should I reach out to them, or is networking mainly about connecting with people who work in similar fields to mine?

Here’s what I recommend:

You can absolutely still reach out to people you know inside an organisation, even if they work in very different areas. While they probably won’t understand the specifics of the role you’re targeting, they may offer useful insight. 

What they can tell you:

• The organisation’s culture and values
• How leadership operates
• Whether people tend to stay or leave
• How well communication and collaboration works at the organisation
• General reputation of the team you’re applying to

 

These elements matter just as much as the role itself.

What they can’t tell you:

• Day-to-day expectations of the job
• Technical or functional details
• Team priorities and current projects

 

This means their value lies in helping you understand the environment and culture of the organisation, not the job specifics.

Where you need more detail about the actual role, you will need to widen your networking to include:

• People in similar functions
• Individuals who work (or have worked) in the target team
• Ex-employees who can speak openly
• Recruiters who specialise in what you’re targeting

 

Here’s a practical approach you could try:

1. Start with someone you already know. They may point you to someone more relevant.
2. Ask for insight about the organisation, not the role.
3. Request a warm introduction if they know anyone connected to the area you’re targeting.
4. Remember never to ask for a job – you are simply requesting for advice and guidance!

 

This way, you are making the most of existing relationships while still gathering accurate, role-specific information.

For more insights about networking, read The Ultimate Guide to Networking for Job Seekers

So, how can you make the approach? Have a look at this draft outreach message/email for inspiration – of course you must tailor it to suit your personality and communication style:

Hi [Name],

I’m making contact with you as you may be able to provide some advice as I’m considering applying for [the role of …] at [Organisation]. As you work there, so I hope you don’t mind me reaching out.

I’m not expecting you to know the specifics of the role, however I would greatly value your perspective on what it’s like to work at [Organisation] and how the culture feels day to day. 

If there’s someone closer to this function you think I should speak with, I’d appreciate any suggestions.

If you have 10–15 minutes for a brief chat, that would be wonderful, otherwise a short reply is more than enough.

Thanks so much.  I’d be grateful for any insight you can share.

Warm regards,

Give this approach a go – don’t worry if you don’t receive a positive response right away – keep expanding your list of potential networking contacts within your target company and soon you will receive a “Yes, I’m happy to help, what do you need?” response!

Please share your experiences and any additional suggestions to help other job seekers. If you need one-on-one support through career coaching, book an exploratory chat with me today!